Refrigeration apparatus



July 14, 1931. L.. K. WRIGHT l REFRIGERATION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet lFiled March l. 1928 www@ S July 14, 1931. i., K. WRIGHT REFRIGERATIONAPPARATUS Filed March 1, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 14, 1931,PATENT oFFlcE LEONARD KAY WRIGHT, or LoNe'IsLAND, NEW YORKREFRIGERATION APPARATUS' Applieation lfiled March 1,

This invention relates to artificial refrigeration and pertains morespecifically to a unit of the absorption type.

Heretofore many units of this general character have been proposed. Inthese prior structures, as a rule, there has been provided but oneheating element or medium for the generator. As a result if this,v forany reason became inoperative the entire unit would cease'to function. v

Another disadvantage of certain of these lsuggested structures residesin the fact that they necessitate a gravity flow from the evaporatingsystem tothe generatorabsorber side. Againothers are so designed thatthey operate properly only when the evaporating system is positionedbelow the level of the generator-absorber system. An

` obvious disadvantage of such assemblages 90 is that they are notadaptable to installation in certain plants where the space allocationis confined or restricted.

It is an object of this invention to provide a refrigeration unit whichis eectively operable for any given position of the evapo- V rator.

Another object-is to provide a simplified and compact refrigeratingunit.

1A further object 'is to devise a unit of the character referred towhich comprehends a plurality of independent heating means for thegenerator.` i Yet another object is'to provide a portable unit of ruggedconstruction requiring little or no servicing. 7

A further object is to provide av unit which may readily be coupledtofthe evaporating side of existing refrigeration plants, which willautomatically -defrost the evapo- 40 rator coils through itsintermittent action.

Another object is to provide a refrigera-l -tion apparatus which issubstantially free from vibration.

A still further obje'ct is to provide a rel frigeration unit which isautomatically and noiselessly operable, of great longevity, re-

quiririg no appreciable operating attention or cost.-

With these and other equally 'important objects n view the inventioncomprehends `tor and are joined to it by autogenous welds. Thesetubesare adapted tohouse electrical or of the generator.

1928. Serial No. 258,358.

the provision of associated generator-absorber, condenser-receiverelements, combined 1n a novel manner to make maximum utilization ofpresented space and to insure positive and efficient operation. p

To facilitate an -understanding of the underlying principles of theinvention there is shown in the accompanying drawings one mechanicalembodiment of it. In these the same reference numerals refer to similarparts throughout the several views of which;

Fig. l is a side elevation of the unit;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation thereof;

Fig. 3-is a transverse section taken on line 3-e3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional detail of a section of thegenerator-absorber;`

Fig. 5 is an elevation of the control panel;

Fig. 6 is a c liagrammatic representation ofthe relative'arrangement ofthe major elements of the unit;

Fig. 7 is a wiring diagram of the electric circuits employed; y

Fig. S is an enlarged longitudinal section of the condenser coil, whenthe condenser 4is of the water cooled type;

Fig. 9 is a cross section taken on line 9-9 of-Fig. 8.

As shown in Figure Gthe unit comprises a generator-absorber 1 vconnectedthrough the fluid lines 2 to condenser coils 3. These coils communicate,through. an interposed valve'39, with a receiver tank 4. Operativelyassociated with thereceiver is a float chamber and an expansion coil `orevapo-y rator system 6. As shown, the discharge en'd ofthe expansioncoil connects with the lower end of the condenser coil in a manner tobev .amplified hereinafter.

The generator-absorber comprises a cylindrical shell having conoidalends 7 Positioned within this shell are hollow metallic tubes 8. Asshown these project slightly beyond v the exterior surface of thegenera- 95 resistance elements 9 which, when current flows through them,serve t0 heat the interi- Convoluted wit-hin the Y v generator areaplurality of pipes 10 and 11.V

As shown, particularly in Fig. 3 these are mounted in abutting relationand preferably are joined, throughout their length, by a welded or fusedconnection. These pipes enter near the top of one end of the generator,as at 12 and 13, and leave the generator at the lower portion of theopposite end, as at 14 and 15. At the points Where these pipes enter andleave the generator they are welded to the ends of the latter so as toinsure a rigid fluid tight connection having the same metallic textureas the generator body.

The coil 11 constitutes a heating system for the generator While thecoil 10, conversely, constitutes a cooling system. In order to heat thematerial within the generator, during the volatilization cycle, theheating medium, such as superheated steam or other liquid or vapor, maybe circulated through the coil 11 so as to conduct heat to the absorbentor adsorbent within the generator. During the absorbing portion of therefrigeration cycle, as is known, it is desirable that the materialwithin the generator be cooled. This lowering of temperature not onlychecks and prevents volatilization of the refrigerant but it alsoabstracts exothermic heats of absorption. To obtain this desired heatabstraction a cooling medium, such as cold water or a brine, may beforced through the coil 10. It is particuylarly to be noted that thecoils 10 and 11 are inclined downwardly toward their discharge ends. Byreason of this slope the. liquid in coil 10 or condensed vapors in'coil`11 flow by gravity and are discharged from the container.

As has been indicated hereinbefore the coils 10 and 11 are joinedtogether substantially throughout their length. By reason of this facteach pipe assists in the conduetionof heat to and from the absorbent oradsorbent. During the heating cycle, as will be understood, steam orother heating medium flows through the coil 11. During this time thereis no flow of cooling medium through the coil 10. By reason of the factthat that pipe .of coil 11 is in metallic connection with the pipe 10 itserves, in effect, as an increased surface tending to conduct heat fromthe heating medium in pipe of coil l1 to the material within thecontainer.

During the cooling cycle the cooling medium flows through coil l() butthere is no flow of material through coil 11. During this portion of thecycle coil l1 serves as an increased conducting surface to facilitatethe abstraction of heat from the absorbent or adsorbent. It will beappreciated then that each of the pipes of coils 10 and 11 subserves adual function. Each serves as a fluid conduit and also as an increasedconductive surface for the other pipe.

The lower ends of the coils 10 and 11 rest upon the heating tubes 8. Itwill be seen that these tubes serve to support the heating and coolingcoils in their proper position within the generator. It is also to benoted that since helical coils 10 and 11 eX- tend an appreciablevertical distance and since they are in metallic connection with theheating tubes 8 they serve as heat conductive paths through asubstantial body of the absorbent or adsorbent. This quick transmissionof heat is a desideratum in a refrigerationsystem of the absorption typein which the generator-absorber is subjected to intermittent andrelatively wide variations in telnperature. As the essential function ofthe pipes 10 and 11 is to conduct heat to and from the interior of thecontainer it is within the scope of this invention to provide them withincreased heat conducting surfaces such for instance as fins, spiralribbons and the like.

It will be seen that thus far two independently operable heating unitsare provided for the generator. If desired, the material within thecontainer 1 may be heated by closing a circuit (to be describedhereinafter) which includes the resistance element 9. At the option ofthe operator this may, at any time, be disconnected by throwing asuitably positioned switch. If desired the absorbent or adsorbent may beheated by means of the steam coil. p

As has been intimated hereinbefore the invention comprehends the use ofseveral distinct heating media for the generator. In

addition to an electric current or superheat-- ed steam, operatinginternally of the generator, other means, positioned externally of thegenerator may be employed. As

shown in Figs. 2 and 3 a fire pan 1G is welded, brazed, soldered orotherwise fastened or affixed to the bottom of the generator. Theinterior face of the pan may be covered with a refractory material 17,such for example as bauxite, magnesite, asbestos or argillaceouscompositions. Projecting into the firing space, dened by the fire panand subjacent section of the generator, is a nozzle 18. This isconnected at its exterior end to the nebulizer 19 which in turn is influid connection with a fuel line 20. B

providing such a structure it will be understood that commercial fuels,such as fuel oil, gas, alcohol or the like may be employed.

If it is desired to use fuel oil the nebulizer 19 may be utilized; ifnatural, producer or water gas is used this nebulizer may be replaced byany conventional form of air mixer. It will be seen that the flameresulting from the combustion ofthe fuel employed will be projectedagainst-the bottom of the generator and will be conducted to thematerial Within the generator to disengage or drive off the refrigerantfrom the adsorbent or absorbent. The refractory' lining serves '.mittedtothe generator by means of a suitably positioned port or opening whichmay also serve for the valve 23, which maybe of the rupture or spring.vloaded type and serve as a safety valve upon generation of unduepressure. When the generator is initially charged such a quantity isadmitted f ated by any one of the means hereinbefore.

as will fill the generator almost completely full. It is highlydesirable however to leave a gas or vapor space 24 (Fig. 4) above thebody of the adsorbent or absorbent. Tapped linto the upper portion ofthe generator as at 25 are a plurality of eduction pipes 2G. As showninFig. 4 these are inclined downwardly toward their discharge ends.l Atthe kinterior or open ends 27 the eduction pipes are providedv with astrip of filtering material 29, such for example as a fine mesh screen.The eduction pipes 2G -are welded to the container at the oint 25.

During the vaporizing cycle, heat generdescribed will causevolatilization of the refrigerant. The plurality of reti'culated tubings21 will facilitate the upward passage of the vapors to the Vapor space24; from 'here the vapors pass into the eduction pipes 26. It will beappreciated that the screen 29 willprevent the passage of any adsorbentwhich may have become entrained in the stream of gas. Similarly when thegenerator becomes an absorber, that is to say during the absorptioncycle, vapors entering throughy the pipe 26 (in a manner to be amplifiedhereinafter) will pass overthe surface of the absorbent or adsorbentmaterial. lSince this already has been cooled it possesses a decidedaffinity for the gas. The disseminatio-n or distribution of the gasthrough the absorbent material will be greatly facili; tated andaccelerated b y the reticulated tubing lwhich in effect presents aplurality of channels or interstices through which the' vapors may flow.

Since the generator is subjected to strain incident upon intermittentheatingand generated pressures it is highly desirable to construct it ofone piece. This may be accomplished inthe described structure by firstforming the parts of the generator which are to constitute the whole andthen joining these parts together by the use of a circumferential orlongitudinal weld. lf desired, the supporting standards 30 may b welded`to the coil 10 and on assemblage, spot welded to the interior of thegenerator. By providing a construction of welded parts, a substantiallyuniform metallic texture is insured which minimizes the danger ofunequal strain and consequent potential disruption of the parts. i

Preferably the generator, condenser coils and receiver are assembled asa permanent unit. To accomplish this the generator may be supported froma strap or hanger- 31 through the intermediacy of the supporting frames32.

afforded bythe securing flange 36, formed upon each terminal of thestrap 31. These. flanges may be fastened to the uprights 32 by bolts,rivets or any other suitable fastening means.

As has been indicated hereinbefore, the

generator, condenser and receiver are made up as a unified structure.As7 will appear from aninspection of Fig. 1 the eduction pipes 2G extenddownwardly from the joint 25 and are formed into reverse bends to.

constitute the condenser coils 37. Therever possible, I prefer tolutilize the aerial condenser such as is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

As is therein showin-these are convoluted at their ends and arerelatively closely spaced so` as to utilize to the maximum degree thespace afforded between the generator and its supporting base structure.The effective surface of the condenser tubes or pipes may be increasedby the use of fins or discs or spirally wound ribbon.

The lower end of each of the condenser coils 37 is joined, preferably byan autogenousweld to a single receiver inlet pipe 38. The coils, orcoil, may be of pipe which may be of'any length, conforming to the spacerequirements of the particular installatiom and issecured at its lowerend to a valve 39, the function of which will appear more fullyhereinafter. From the valve 39 there extends a short pipe section 40which is secured at its discharge ,end to the receiver tank 41.y

As shown, these frames are` flanged at their lower terminals to formfoot The receiver tank 41, as shown particular- As will bev `stay 42subserves a dual function.

`effective cooling air circulation.

perceived from an inspection of Fig. 2 this stay is flanged' at each endandthese flanges are secured by any suitable method, to the uprights 32.It will be appreciated that this It strengthens and rigidifies thesupporting uprights and also serves to prevent vertical displacement,jarring or vibration of the receiver with respect to the frame. In orderto fix the position of the `receiver with respect to the supportingstructure segmental straps 43 are utilized. These straps are struck onan arc conforming to the radius of the curvature of the cylindricalsection of the receiver.. At'each end the straps are bent radially oftheir circumference to form securing toes 44. `The lower toe may befastened, as by bolts or the like to the channel iron 34, while theupper toe maybe spot welded, riveted or bolted to thel stay 42. Thatportion of the periphery of the receiver which is diametrically oppositethe central portion of the strapy ab-uts its adjacent upright 32. Itwill be seen then, that by this structure the receiver 41 is heldimmovable with respect to the, support, since portions of the supportabut the receiver at quadrantal sections.

The assemblage previously described comprehended an air cooledcondenser. As'will be appreciated, during the heating cycle thetemperature of the material within' the generator and of the metallicbody of the generator will rise and as a. result the radiated heat willwarm the adjacent air blanket. This will cause convective currents ofcooling air to flow upwardly of .the'condenser coils. Vith the presentstructure, inasmuch asy the condenser coils are spaced from the fioorline, an upward draft of cooling air will flow over and cool thematerial within thev coils. The refrigerant vflowing in the eductionpipes 26 and coils 37 therefore will be subjected to a cooling actionthroughotlits sinuous course to the discharge end of the latter. Thereare. occasions when it is desirable to utilize a water cooled condenser,as for example when the apparatus is used in a warm climate or in thosecases where the space is so-confined'that there can be no In suchcircumstances the coils 37 may be enclosed in a condenser box, connectedto a source of water, brine or other cooling fluid., The desired coolingby this mediummay also be effected by positioning a spray or series ofsprays above the condenser coil vand allowing the cooling medium tocascade over the` coils. If such a cooling system is used it isdesirable to position several longitudinal sections of the cooling coilin staggered rela- I ftion to each other.

While these different cooling methods may be employedI prefer to utilizean apparatus which makes maximum use of the conductive area ofthecondenser pipe without necessitating the cumbersome structure of thecondenser box. Such a preferred structure is shown in Fig. 8. Thiscomprises a tube 45 which, for the greater part of its length, nestswithin a concentric external tube 46. At each end the tube section 46 isconstricted and welded to the interior pipe or tube at the joint 47.Adjacent each of its ends the tube 46 is provided with a supply (ordischarge) line 48. This is preferably welded to the pipe 46. It will benoted that the internal surface of the pipe 46 is substantiallyuniformly spaced over the exterior surface of the pipe 45 so as todefine a fluid space 49. lVhen this condenser unit is connected with thegenerator one of the pipe sections 48 is welded or otherwise integrallyconnected to each of the eduction pipes 26 while the other pipe sectionis similarly connected to the discharge line 38.

In operation of this condenser the refrigerant iiows downwardly throughthe space 49 while a cooling Huid, such as water, flows in thecountercurrent direction through the interior pipe 45. It will beappreciated that in this mode of operation the refrigerant is subjectedto the action of two cooling media, that is to say the refrigerant iscooled internally by the water pipe 45 and externally by means ofradiation and convection from the exterior surface of the pipe 46. Itwill be apparent that, if desired, this nested pipe structure may beused with a condenser box containing a pipe of cooling liquid.

The condenser has been described as comprising two coilsI 37. Itismanifest, however, that a single coil may be utilized or, if desired, arelatively large number of helical coils may b e employed'. In thelatter case each coil may be connected to a. manifold which is incommunication, through the eduction pipes or pipe 26, with the gener-yator I Awish it to be clearly understood that all of these modificationsof design and position are comprehended within the scope of theinvention. A

In order to provide for assembling and charging the absorber, condenserand receiver as a yunit at the factory this system is provided withmeans fortemporarilyv sealing or closing it. To do this a vertical pipesection 50 is welded to the lowerend of the condenser coil-preferably atthe confluence of the separate` condenser coils. Thislpipe, it will beunderstood, is to be connected to the suction line of theevaporatingside or cooling coils. Connected to the end ofthe pipe section 50 isashutoff valve 5l which, it will be understood, opens or closesvconnection between the unit and the evaporatin g side."' As will benoted from an inspection of Fig. 6, the pipe section 50, in effect,constitutes the discharge or suction end of the evaporating side 6. Thecondenser, receiver Vand evaporating portions are connected by means ofa fluid line 52 (Fig. 6). As shown inFigs. 1 andr 2 this comprises apipe section 53 which passes through the median portion and is welded tothe wall of the receiver. terior end section is bent and extendsdownwardly to a pointclosely adjacent the bottom. The liquid line 53,communicating with this lower section, will draw off the fluid'. Byreason of the low position of the inlet end the full hydrostatic headplus the gas pressure within the receiver is utilized to effectivelyforce the liquid refrigerant through the intermediate pipesto theevaporating system. Secured to the exterior end of the pipe section 53,designated by the numeral 52, is a second shutoff valve 54, to the otherend of which may be secured the pipe line 55 which, it will beunderstood, leads to the expansion valve 76 and the evaporating coils orsystem 6.

I have provided means, associated with the receiver chamber, toaccurately register the liquid level of the latter independently of anysurging or surface fluctuations. This comprises a Huid chamberdesignated generally by the numeral 56. This member is 'in open fluidcommunication with the receiver 41 by way of the upper Huid line 57 andthelower line 58. The upper line is welded to the upper portion of thereceiver, preferably substantially at the highest point of the latterand extends horizontally to the fluid chamber 56. Pipe 58 is connectedto the lower-most portion of the receiver and leads to and communicateswith the bottom of the float chamber. It will be appreciated that theline 57 will insure an equalizationfof pressureupon the surfaces of therespective bodies of liquid in the two elements-.and hence, in conjunc-Ltion with the line 58, will assure the maintenance of the same liquidlevel in each. Since liquid communication betweenthe receiver and floatchamber is afforded by the restricted passage of pipe 58, the temporaryvariations of surface levels in the receiver, incident upon vibration orjarring, lwill not be transmitted to the float cham- Operating withinthe chamber 56 is a iioat mechanism which controls a mercury switch,described in detail in my co-pending application Serial No. 231,357. Asset forth in that application, the switch operates intermittently,vdepending upon the liquid height in the receiver, to control theheating cycle and consequent formation of condensed refrigerant. Thismechanism comprises a bulb or float 59 which is adapted to float on thesurface of the liquefied refrigerant. The bulbis slidingly mounted on aThe in- .respect to the condenser coils.

rod 60 which, as will be noted, is provided with limit beads 61 at .itsupper andlowe portions. As the liquid in the receiver is' lowered, dueto its discharge to the evap-` orating system, the surface level in thefloat chamber is correspondingly depressed. When the float reaches apredetermined low level it actuates the mercury switch 90 in a mannerdescribed in the copending appli cationsreferred to, to causevaporization of the adsorbed or absorbed refrigerant and thereplenishment of the receiver with condensed or liquefied refrigerant.Itis particularly to be noted that the receiver and flfaatpchamber arepositioned subjacent with y By reason of this fact the temperature ofthe refrigerant withiii these containers will be maintained at thelowest degree of temperature available. A

The parts described in detail, that is to say the generator-absorber,condenser, receiver and float chamber together with the control paneland regulating valves are permanently associated as a unified structure.Since the float chamber is relativelysmall and since it maybe'constructed of a light metal or alloy it may be supported inposimeans, to the supporting plate 62. As will be seen from aninspection of Fig. 1 the solenoid valves 65, 66, 67, 68 and 39 aremounted upon the plate 62. These valves all comprise acasing 69 fromwhich extend the supporting legs 70. At their lower ends these legs maybe flangedand apertured toreceive securing bolts or screws. Thesevalves, as described 1n m copending application Serial No. 237,51 are ofthe'sole-y noid type having the coils 71 and 72 posi.

tioned at each end of a laterally movable core (not shown).` Inoperation, when one' of the solenoids is operated the internal member ismoved longitudinally to open or close communication sbetweenthe'inletliney 73 and discharge line 74 of valves 65,66 and 67. In the case ofvalve 39 the inlet line 38 and discharge line 40 are brought into fluidconnection upon energizing of the solenoid. The solenoid valve 68differs from the other valves in the fact that it comprises an electricvswitch instead of a fluid line. This switch is connected in circuit withthe resistance element positioned inter nally of the generator. Theenergizing of the solenoids of valve 68 actuates this switch -tionsolely byl means of the pipes 57 and The panel board 63 is formed with aterminal horizontal flange 64 which is fastened, by any suitableto openor close the heating circuit. Operatively associated withl the Huid andswitch valves is a solenoid operated automatic circuit breaker 75described in detail in my copending application Serial No. 250,771,filed January 3l, 1928. In some cases I eliminate solenoid valve 68entirely, depending upon my automatic circuit breaker 75 to perform thefunction.

Vhile it is preferable to mount the control panel directly upon theunit, it will of course be understood that it may be positioned in anydesirable location either on the unit itself or at some point remotetherefrom.

To assemble a complete refrigeration unit an evaporating system may beserially connected to the unit described. An example of such aninstallation is depicted schematically in Fig-6. An expansion valve 76is connected on its inlet or liquid side to the line 55 and on itsoutlet or .discharge side to the evaporating coil or system 6. At theupper portion of the expansion coil there may be interposed a safetyvalve 77, similar in structure and function to the valve 23. The suctionor discharge end 78 of the evaporating stage is connected, through thevertical pipe section 50, to the bottom of the condenserf- It will beobserved that with such an arrangement, the expanded refrigerant :passesupwardly through the condenser. If desired, the return line from th'e4evaporating stage may be directly connected to the generator. Thislatter arrangement may be obtained in the present structure by providinga by-pass connection from the line 78 to the generator.

The expansion valve, mentioned hereinbefore, is preferably of thetemperature actuated type. This may comprise a diaphragm memberresponsive to temperature variations to actuate the valve system. Ifdesired, however, the member may comprise a typical expansion valvecontrolled by a separate and appropriately positioned thermostat, or beof the manually set type.

lVhen it is desired .-to use a water cooled 'condenser in conjunctionwith a positively cooled generator the valve 67 may be of the three wayor three port type through which the water continually passes out,either to the generator-absorber or to the condenser during the. coolingor heating cycles respectively.

It will be understood that when an external heating gas is employed toraise the temperature of the material in the generator it may beautomatically ignited by utilizing a piece of spongy platinum or similarmaterial. This may be suspended over the oriices of the burners in theusual manner so that when thel gas supply is turned on a flame will belighted. If fuel oil is used a small pilot light may be employed.

The unit may be supplied with any desired type of pressure andtemperature indicating devices, for example, the generatorabsorber maybe fitted with a thermometer or pyrometer to indicate the temperature towhich the material is raised during the heating cycle. This enables acareful check to prevent excessive heating and permits modifyingadjustments of the, intensity of heat applied. Similarly a pressuregauge may be mounted on the receiver. The receiver may also be providedwith a liquid level sight gauge so that the quantity and quality of thecondensed refrigerant may be observed at any time. Likewise theevaporating stage may be provided withf a pressure. gauge so as toregister the expansion pressure. It will be understoodl that all suchindicating and checking devices are comprehended within the scope of theinvention.

In Figure 5 is 'shown the preferred location of the switches connectedto the various valves. The numeral 79 designates a device which isadapted to indicate the fact that the plant is in operation. Positionedat an outstanding or readily discernible place on the control panel is amain switch 80. Below the main switch are a series of switches 8l, 82,83 and 84 which control the steam, oil, gas and electric resistanceheating means respectively. Positioned below the fuel switch is a twoline switch 85 which controls the water valve. The panel is alsoprovided with suitable indicia 86 accurately designating the particularvalves and, if desired, other indicia 87 which constitutes a briefdescription of the method of operating the device.

In Fig. 7 is shown circuit connections of the various coacting valvesand switches. At 88 is shown a battery which is to be taken as typifyingany suitable source of electric power. This is connected in series withthe three contact mercury switch 90. One terminal (on) of the mercuryswitch is connected through a suitable conductor 89 to the similarlypositioned solenoid coils of valves 65, 66, 67, 68, 39 and the circuitbreaker 75 to the other terminal of the battery. Interposed in this lineare the control switches 81, 85, 82, 84 and the main switch 80. Theoperation of the device will be appreciated from the described circuit.As` indicated on the panel, when it is desired to start the plant it isnecessary only to turn on the switch for the fuel desired and turn ofl"all of the other fuel switches. Assuming that the material within thegeneraor is to be heated by steam this switch will be turned on as shownin Fig. 5 and the other switches turned to oft' position. If thecondenser is water cooled the water switch is turned on and finally themain switch is turned to on position. Assuming that the refrigerant isatva low level in the receiver the mercury switch 90.will then be in theposition shown in Fig. 7, that is in a position to close the circuit. Insuch circumstances current will flow from the battery 88 through theclosed main switch 80, the left hand coil of the circuit breaker and thecorrespondingly positioned coil of valve 39. Since the Aswitches 84 and82 have been previously closed the valves 68 and 66 will be cut out ofthe circuit and the current will be shunted directly to the water valve67, flowing through the left hand coil of this valve. The current thenflows through the left hand coil of valve 65, conductor 89 and themercury-pool to the other terminal of the battery. y

The circuit breaker 75 is of the automatic type and is so designed thata current is allowed tol flow through it for a period of approximatelyone-half minute, at the end of which time the breakeracts and lmoves tothe other contact During this interval the solenoids of valves 39, 67and 65, becoming energized,'will move the valve stems to such a positionas to open the valve. Opening of the valve 39 will allow passage ofcondensed refrigerant through the pipe 10 to the receiver. Actuation ofvalve 65 will allow passage of steam through the steam coil in thegenerator to cause vaporization of absorbed or adsorbed refrigerant andthe actuation of valve 67 will permit the flow of water in heat exchangerelationship with the condenser coils, thereby assisting in condensingand liquefying the refri erant Then the receiver has been lled `to itspredetermined level the'float 59 actuates the mercury tube90,`establishing another circuit so `that the circuit breaker will makecontact with its second terminal to energize the right hand solenoidcoils of valves 39, 68, 66, 67 and 65. Due to this the valves 39, 67 and65 will close and will terminate'the heating cycle. `It will beunderstood kof course that since valves 68 and 66 have previously beenclosed the `energizing of their solenoid coils will have no effect. Ashas 'been disclosed hereinbefore the water valve 67 may be three way.If'l suchv a valve is used, upon energization of its right hand solenoidtheivalve stem will be moved to a position toy open communicationbetween' the inlet and the coil positioned in the generator. This causesa flow of coolingmedium through the generator to abstract heat therefrom and consequently will prepare 'the absorbent or adsorbent for areception/of the, refrigerant vaporized in the expansioncycle.

When other fuels are used the operation of the device is substantiallythe s ame as that described. For example if the resistance ele- 'ment 9is used as the heating means the switch will be turned to the onposition to close the clrcuit between the source A lf an externalheating is controlled by the valve 66. lIt will be understood, ofcourse, that the unit may be provided'with separate gas, oil, oryalcohol supply lines in which case each line would be provided with avalve similar to valve 66. ln order to simplify the drawing but oneexternal fuel supply line and valve has been shown. When one of thesefuels is used the generator-absorber will be subjected to the action ofdirect and reverberated heat. This is conducted through the metallicshell to the material within the generator. It will be appreciated, atthis point, that the tubes 8 coils 1() and 11 yand the metallic gauzetub ing will assist inthe rapid conduction of Iheat throughout the solidor liquid within the generator. 2

As has been indicated' hereinbefore the generatorlabsorber, condenserand receiver may be assembled and charged at the same factory. rlhegenerator itselfmay be filled with the absorbent or adsorbent, admitting.l

this material through the aperture into which the valve 23 fits. Afterthis material has been deposited within the generator the safety valvemay be inserted in the generator and screwed tightly or welded inposition. After extraction of airvcontained within the unit thepredetermined quantity of refrigerant which, it will be understood, willvary in accordance with the dimensions of 'the apparatus, may be forcedin through rating system 6. The`eonnections between the pipes 55 andf 78and the valves 54 `and 51 respectively may be welded to insure apressure tight fit. After this operation the valves arel then opened' toestablish communication between the generator-absorber unit and theevaporator. .It will be observed `that the generator, receiver andcondenser unit is adaptable, after installation, to an f evaporatingsystem which has already been installed or with an entirelynewinstallation. A major advantage of the provisions before shipment.'Such a unit assemblage also facilitates factory installation, since, ashas lbeen noted, it is necessary only to connect the lines 7 8 and 55 tothe valves 51 vand 54. In large sized units where I. C; C. or otherrulings forbid the transportation of vessels under pressure the plantmay be.

charged after installation. Y

The apparatus is susceptible of use with wide variety of specihcrefrigerants and adsorbent or absorbent agents. The refrigerant, forexample, may be ammonia, sulphur dioxide, methyl or ethyl chloride`butane, carbon dioxide, methyl or ethyl ether, propane, methylamine andthe like.

Similarly a wide variety of absorbent or adsorbent agents' may be used,depending on the particular refrigerant used. It may be, for example,water, activated silicious ma.- terial, silica gel, or other occulentcolloids, ammonia nitrate, ammonia cyanite, calcium chloride, activatedcharcoal, carbon tetrachloride, alcohols and the like. It will beunderstood that Whatever particular refrigerant or absorbent agent isemployed the essential operation of the device Will remain unchanged.

` The materials used for the construction of the elements of thestructure may likewise vary considerably. It is desirable, of course,that the metal or alloy employed for the generator be of lowcorrodibility and relatively high tensile strength. Ihe rupture plate ofthe safety valve 23 is of a metal, such for example, as substantiallypure silver, which varying with theeffective pressure surface andthickness has a tensile .strength approximating that of the maximumpressure which is to be employed.

While I have described a preferred mechanical embodiment of theinvention it is to be understood that this is given primarily as anexample, for since the essential features of the invention may beincorporated in other specific mechanical structures, which aresusceptible of wide modifications, I do not intend to be limited to theparticular device shown except as such limitations are clearly imposed`by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A generator-absorber comprising a container, abutting heating andcooling coils therein.

2. A generator-absorber comprising a container, a body of vaporabsorbing material therein and a plurality of abutting coils in thematerial.

3. A generator-absorber comprising a container, a body of vaporabsorbing mate- 5. A generator-absorber comprising a container having aheating coil and a cool ing coil therein, said coils being inclineddownwardly from the inlets to the outlets and being in contact with eachother substantially throughout their entire length.

6. A refrigerating apparatus comprising a generator-absorber, -asubjacent condenser and receiver, an evaporator, means to heat thegenerator, means to cool the condenser and means operated by the liquidin the receiver automatically controlling the heating and cooling meansand circulation of refrigerant Within said apparatus.

7. A receiver for a refrigcrating unit comprising a container, an inletline connected to the upper portion, a discharge line connected to thelower portion, a float chamber having an upper vapor line and a` lowerliquid line connected respectively to high and low points on thereceiver.

8. A refrigerating apparatus comprising' a generator, a condenser, areceiver, and an evaporator, means to heat the generator,l meansoperated by the level of the liquid in the receiver automaticallycontrolling said heating means, said controlling means also governingthe flow of thev liquid from the condenser tov the' receiver. i

9. A receiver having a refrigerating unit comprising a container, aninlet line ,connected to the upper, portion, a discharge line connectedto the lower portion, and a float chamber of the same height as saidcontainer and communicating therewith at relatively high and low pointsthereof.

10. A receiver for a. refrigerating umtI comprising a container, aninlet line connected to the upper portion, a. discharge line connectedto the lower portion, a float chamber communicating with said containerat .relatively high and low points thereof, a float in said floatchamber, and means associated with the said float for governing theHow'of the liquid into said receiver.

In testimony whereof I athx my signature.

LEONARD KAY WRIGHT.

